When you list personal and professional references on your résumé, you typically expect a prospective employer to contact them to verify your work history. You should also expect an interviewer to ask your permission to conduct a background check. This includes a written authorization that you need to sign for the background check to be performed, giving your consent. Depending on the type of job, a background check can be extensive, using several sources. State laws can fill in the gaps left by federal privacy statutes governing employment background checks.

Credit Report

Don’t be caught off-guard by a credit report inquiry as part of an employment background check -- in fact, getting a copy of your report before your job search can give you time to correct errors. If the position to which you are applying involves handling -- or access to -- money, you should expect your credit report to be checked. Employers hiring for those positions want to verify financial responsibility. Credit reports also contain employment information, giving them another level of verification of information you included on your job application or résumé.

Education and Military

Your employer may want to verify your education claims as well as military service, but needs your permission to access anything other than public information. For example, a military branch may release basic information such as name, rank, pay grade and service without your permission. For many positions, basic information, such as the degree you earned, may be enough. However, for certain jobs, particularly in government positions where employees have access to sensitive information, you may need to earn a clearance level that requires extensive background reviews and verification.

Arrest and Criminal

For some positions, such as in childcare, your criminal history is likely to be of great importance. This is also true if you are applying for high-paying positions or will be responsible for finances. Arrest records are public information in many states, but not every arrest results in a conviction so be sure to explain it if it comes up. Certain states, such as California, have stricter laws regarding access to arrest and criminal records. In 2012, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission updated its rules governing how companies can use criminal records to exclude applicants with criminal records.

Other Checks

Expect your driving record to be checked for any transportation-related job, or if you will be making deliveries. Employers may also check your “online reputation,” performing searches to see what mentions there are of you in cyberspace. Prepare for this by checking it yourself, and go through your social media sites for posts or comments that may be offensive to an employer. If you are hired, your initial consent during the interview process gives your employer the right to re-check periodically, such as when considering you for a promotion or job change.

About the Author

Based in Central Texas, Karen S. Johnson is a marketing professional with more than 30 years' experience and specializes in business and equestrian topics. Her articles have appeared in several trade and business publications such as the Houston Chronicle. Johnson also co-authored a series of communications publications for the U.S. Agency for International Development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in speech from UT-Austin.